Biography
Luciano Alves is a Brazilian pianist, keyboardist, composer and arranger known for his work in both classical and popular music, as well as his expertise in music technology.[2] Born in Brazil (he is frequently associated with Rio de Janeiro–based musicians), he began his professional musical activities around 1970, developing a career that bridges live performance, studio work, and educational projects.[2] Over the decades he has cultivated a reputation for technical refinement at the piano and a deep understanding of harmony and arrangement, which led him to be sought after as both a performer and a behind‑the‑scenes musical director.[2]
Alves’s catalog includes solo piano albums devoted to classical repertoire such as "Luciano Alves Plays Bach" and "Luciano Alves Plays Chopin," reflecting his strong grounding in the European classical tradition and his ability to interpret canonical works with clarity and nuance.[4] At the same time, he remains active in Brazilian and contemporary idioms, appearing on compilation projects like "The Ethnic Sampler, Vol. 6," which highlight his stylistic flexibility and comfort in ensemble settings.[4] Parallel to his performing career, Alves has become an authority in specialized data and computer technology applied to music, maintaining a website that offers resources on keyboard history, notation practices, chord symbols for notation software, and information on courses and workshops he conducts for musicians and music professionals.[2][5] This dual focus on artistry and technology has made him a respected figure among pianists, arrangers, and music technologists in Brazil and beyond.
Through his long career, Alves has contributed not only as a performer but also as an educator, giving courses and workshops that disseminate practical knowledge about keyboards, arranging, and digital tools used in music creation and publishing.[5] His work in these areas has supported many working musicians and students who rely on accurate chord notation, MIDI, and score‑preparation techniques, further solidifying his legacy as both a creative artist and a technical specialist.[2][5]
Fun Facts
- Luciano Alves combines a full performing career with work as an expert in specialized data technology for the music field, focusing on how computers and software support composition, arranging, and notation.[2]
- He maintains an educational website where he provides resources such as a concise history of keyboard instruments, information on chord symbols and suffixes for notation software, and outlines of courses and workshops he offers to musicians.[5]
- His discography includes solo piano albums dedicated entirely to classical masters—"Luciano Alves Plays Bach" and "Luciano Alves Plays Chopin"—showcasing his classical technique alongside his background in popular and Brazilian styles.[4]
Musical Connections
Key Collaborators
- Various artists on "The Ethnic Sampler, Vol. 6" - Compilation/ensemble project featuring Luciano Alves alongside other performers (Appears on the album "The Ethnic Sampler, Vol. 6") [Release period of the compilation (exact year not specified in available sources)]
Connection Network
Discography
Top Tracks
- Salmo 30 (Vias da Ressurreição)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Luciano Alves has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 6, 2025 | 15:29 | Cearafrom Mosaico | Tudo Bem (Brazilian)w/ Dean Ellis |